Last Updated on December 15, 2020 by

Furthermore, the Proteus VX VST features “High Voice Polyphony” that feeds off of your CPU. You also get to avail 54 diverse filters including vocal filters, flangers and multi-pole resonant filters. This free synth also offers 24-bit 192kHz high quality audio playback. RC-20 Retro Color is a creative effect plugin that easily recreates the warm feeling of vintage recording equipment.It adds life and texture to any recording, and also works perfectly in any modern production setting.

Every DAW comes with at least one EQ/Equalization plugin…

However, just having one might not cut it, especially sinceevery EQ plugin offers different features.

In this list I’m going to list the best 10 Free Equalizationplugins which should make a great addition to your arsenal.

Let’s get straight into it…

1. TDR Nova EQ by Tokyo Dawn Records (Windows, Mac)

Nova is a parallel dynamic EQ even though it looks a lotlike your traditional parametric EQ.

Its four bands also include a full-featured dynamic sectioneach, which means that the EQ can cover a huge variety of applications…

This means that the Nova EQ’s capabilities extend far beyondwhat almost any other EQ can offer.

Having said that, one would imagine that the Nova EQ wouldbe very complex and hard to use, but in reality, its interface and layout arevery intuitive.

The interface provides an easy WYSIWYG drag and drop displaypaired with a classic “knob” interface which allows for quick and smooth accessto the various parameters that Nova EQ offers.

Not only this, but also comes with additional high-pass andlow-pass filter sections.

All in all, Nova EQ is very easy to recommend since it couldeasily be a premium plugin… but it’s actually free!

You can download it here.

Related: Here’s a list of the best Free Compression Plugins available.

2. ReaEQ by Cockos (Windows Only)

ReaEQ is part of the ReaPlugs VST FX Suite by Cockos.

Cockos is the company that created Reaper, one of the bestDAWs out there… and a pretty affordable one too.

This bundle not only includes the EQ but also a Compressor,Delay, Noise Reduction plugin, Gate and more… Free vst loop player.

All of these plugins are excellent, not just the EQ… so makesure to download this plugin suite since it’s awesome.

The ReaEQ plugin is an infinite Impulse response EQ that iscapable of unlimited bands.

The filter options are vast… from shelf, low-pass andHigh-pass filter, to band-pass and all-pass.

What I like so much about this plugin is that, just likewith NOVA EQ, it feels as if it should be a premium one… but it’s free.

You can download it here.

Related: Here’s a list of the best Free Orchestral VST Plugins available.

3. MEqualizer by Melda Production (Windows, Mac)

Melda Productions is a well-known company that createshigh-quality plugins, some of which are free.

MEqualizer is a great 6-band EQ that’s very easy to use andfeatures 7 filter types for each band, integrated tube saturation, andharmonics control.

This plugin also includes a spectrum analyzer for advancedvisualization.

Sadly, you can’t just download it on its own since it’s partof the MFreeFXBundle…

The good news is that you will have access to over 20 freehigh-quality plugins which are included in this bundle like;

MCompressor, MFlanger, MAutoPitch, MAutoPan, and manymore…

You can download it here.

If you’re looking for the best free VST plugins in the world, I have a list of 225 of them.

4. SonEQ by Sonimus (Windows, Mac)

SonEQ is free equalizer plugin that takes parts from somevintage gear and combines them in one free plugin.

SonEQ has 3 bands, bass, middle and treble and provides somegood control over them.

Also, SonEQ has a pre-amp section whith a bass boost whichcan be used to add warmth.

High-pass and Low-pass filters can also be found on this EQ.

SonEQ basically combines all the best qualities of theclassic hardware EQs and combines them all into one plugin.

Even though it’s super easy to use, and when compared toother EQs on this list it might seem a little on the simpler side, it’ssurprisingly capable of generating some fantastic sounds.

If you want to add some smooth saturation and warmth to yourmixes, SonEQ should definitely be considered.

You can download it here.

Looking for free guitar VST plugins? Here are the 15 best ones.

5. Marvel GEQ by Voxengo (Windows, Mac)

Marvel GEQ is a linear-phase 16-band graphic EQ whichsupports up to 8 input/output channels for professional streaming and sound andmusic production applications.

The beauty of the Marvel GEQ plugin is that it allows forsome extremely quick EQ adjustments, both to single audio tracks as well asentire mixes.

It’s very intuitive to use since you only have the 16-bandsand that’s it…

Lastly, if you don’t like the color of the plugin, you canchange it to other variants which are included.

You can download it here.

Interested in free Synth vst plugins? Here’s an entire post on that topic.

6. Triple EQ by Blue Cat (Windows, Mac)

The free Triple EQ is a 3-band semi parametric EQ and is a veryversatile plugin since it features a wide range of gain (+/-40dB per band) andbandwidth (.01 to 5octave).

This allows you to create any filter shape.

The three filters are linked together so that when youchange the center frequency or the bandwidth, the parameters of the threefilters are modified accordingly: you can control the entire equalizercharacteristics with a single mouse click.

The graph shows the frequency response of the plug-in, sothat you can exactly know how your signal is processed.

Triple EQ also offers a dual channels version, withindependent left/right or mid/side equalization capabilities, and thesechannels can even be linked together allowing you to transform this plugin intoa frequency-dependent panner.

Lastly, you can control the whole plugin through MIDI orautomation.

You can download it here.

Interested in free reverb VST plugins? Here’s a post about the 15 best ones.

7. Nova-67P EQ by vladg/sound (Windows, Mac)

Nova-67P is a parallel parametric equalizer plugincombined with a compressor which can optionally operate in frequency dependentand split-band modes.

In this case the plugin operates as a parallel dynamicequalizer.

The interface isn’t as visually appealing as some otherplugins on this list…

But it’s definitely a very powerful plugin.

You can download it here.

Looking for free Delay VSTs? Here’s a post I wrote about the best ones.

8. SlickEQ by Tokyo Dawn Labs and Variety of Sound (Windows, Mac)

SlickEQ is a collaborative project by Variety of Sound and Tokyo Dawn Labs.

It’s a plugin designed mainly for mixing and mastering thatfocuses on ease of use and musical flexibility.

Three (and a half) filter-bands arranged in a classicLow/Mid/High semi-parametric layout offer fast and intuitive access to fourdistinct EQ modes, each representing a set of distinct EQ curves and behaviors.

Included is an automatic gain compensation tool which willadjust the perceived loudness during EQ operations.

One cool feature is the SlickEQ allows you to exclusivelyprocess either the stereo sum or stereo difference (i.e. “stereo width”)without additional sum/difference encoding.

It offers an output stage with 4 different saturation models which are meant to add warmth and subtle textures.

Now, you can also get the SlickEQ Gentlemen’s Edition, which is the premium version of this plugin, that comes with some extra EQ and saturation models, plus some extra features like a Low-Pass filter and a tilt EQ.

You can download it here.

9. Pushtec 5+1A EQ by Leftover Lasagne (Windows Only)

Even though I don’t like the interface of the Pushtec 5+1A,I have to admit that it works quite well!

It’s a free 6-band mid-range EQ plugin which comes with adecent number of presets.

I found it a bit confusing at first, but I think that thisis only because I’m not used to the layout.

Note: It also comes with a Winamp plugin version.

You can download it here.

10. ParisEQ by Matt Craig (Windows Only)

The Paris VST EQ is a very simple and straight forward 4-band stereo parametric VST equalizer plugin that features the same algorithm as the E-mu/Ensoniq Paris system.

It offers the same musicality and quirkiness as the original including soft-limiting, grungy distortion ability, and resonant behavior under certain conditions.

Previously only accessible to those who owned the Paris custom DSP hardware, this unique EQ is now available to all PC DAW users.

You can download it here.

11. Mellowmuse EQ1A (Windows, Mac)

EQ1A is a super simple yet smooth analog style equalizer, with minimal sound coloration.

It features a high pass filter with variable Q, frequency sweepable low and high shelf filters, and sweepable low and high peak filters with variable Q.

A bypass switch is available for each filter section for increased flexibility.

If you are a beginner who wants to learn the basics of EQ, then the EQ1A might be a good plugin to get you started.

You can download it here.

12. lkjb TinyQ (Windows, Mac)

Yes, the name is a mouthful, but if you’re looking for simplicity, then TinyQ is for you.

It features 4 EQ bands from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, two of them switchable between peak and shelf, as well as hi- and lo-cut with orders between 6 and 48 dB/octave.

It even comes with an analyzer, but this one is disabled by default, since the whole idea behind this plugin is to reduce CPU usage.

All in all, a pretty lightweight yet powerful Tiny EQ.

You can download it here.

How to learn EQ?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with just going by ear, in fact that’s how lots of people learned.

However, if you want to fast-track your progress and learn EQ as efficiently as possible, here’s a link to an online course which is pretty damn awesome… It’s also affordable too.

• EQ Fundamentals.

Make sure to check it out!

Conclusion

All of the free EQ plugins on this list are great.

I absolutely love ReaEQ and all of the plugins that comeincluded in that effects bundle…

But no matter which one you choose you should be gettinggreat results.

I hope this information was useful!

Have a wonderful day!

We covered the best free synthesizer plugins in a recent article. But what are the best free retro synthesizers? Find out in the list below and return to free VST plugins for more software.

The retro 80s sound is more popular than ever. Genres like synthwave and chillwave are the perfect soundtrack for working from home while daydreaming about night rides on open highways.

But you don’t have to be a retro synth geek to love the sound of vintage synthesizers. One can hear the emulated sounds of retro polysynths in the chart-topping hits from mainstream artists like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd.

If you’re into making synthwave music, chances are you’ll need a good virtual analog synthesizer for your digital audio workstation. Help yourself to our Top 10 list of free retro synth VST plugins.

Free Retro Synthesizers: Top 10

These are the best free vintage synthesizer emulation VST plugins:

• PG-8X (Roland JX-8P)
• OB-Xd (Oberheim OB-Xa)
• Mono/Fury (Korg Mono/Poly)
• Fury-800 (Korg Poly-800)
• TAL-U-No-62 (Roland Juno-60)
• Tyrell N6 (Roland Juno-60)
• Dexed (Yamaha DX7)
• Viking (Moog Voyager)
• Synth1 (Nord Lead 2)
• Nils K1v (Kawai K1)

Read more about each instrument below and scroll to the bottom of the page to see the Honorable Mentions.

PG-8X

PG-8X emulates Roland’s legendary JX-8P analog synthesizer. The original JX-8P sounded huge, but it lacked in the hands-on control department. Users had to dive through menus to program new sounds.

That’s why Roland released the PG-800 controller. It was an external hardware device that made programming the Roland JX-8P and Super JX synthesizers a far more user-friendly affair.

Freen Retro Filter Vst Plugins

download acer extensa 4220 bluetooth driver for winxp The free PG-8X synthesizer by Martin Lüders gives the best of both worlds. You’re getting a detailed emulation of JX-8P’s analog synthesis engine and the control layout borrowed from the PG-800 controller.

PG-8X truly shines as a synthwave instrument. It’s one of those rare virtual instruments that sound analog-like almost effortlessly.

Create eye-watering lush pads and earth-shattering analog basslines in the blink of an eye. Turn on the Unison mode for instant fat leads. Also, the included chorus module applies an immediate retro-boost to any sound.

More info:PG-8X

OB-Xd

OB-Xd takes inspiration from the Oberheim OB-X analog synthesizer. The original was the analog weapon of choice for brass sounds, pads, and punchy bass.

Thankfully, this freeware plugin from discoDSP nails that classic Oberheim sound. It also comes with an extensive collection of presets that serve as an instant source of legendary analog sounds.

Even better, OB-Xd is easy to program thanks to its user-friendly interface. Beginners and sound design experts alike shouldn’t have any issues with building custom synth patches from scratch.

2Dat originally developed the OB-Xd. He later provided the source code to discoDSP, who are now handling the development and support.

You can use OB-Xd for free. The developers are accepting an optional $49 donation from users who want to support their work.

More info:OB-Xd

Mono/Fury

Full Bucket Music’s website is a treasure trove of emulated analog synthesizers. Even better, all of their vintage-inspired virtual instruments are free. We had a hard time selecting just two Full Bucket Music plugins for this article.

That said, be sure to check out everything else this talented developer has to offer. And be sure to support their work with a donation if possible.

Our first Full Bucket Music pick is the Mono/Fury plugin, which models the Mono/Poly analog synthesizer by Korg. Mono/Fury emulates all the original instrument’s quirks and peculiarities, including the unique polyphony mode. Each voice triggers a different oscillator, resulting in some complex multi-layered timbres when playing chords and melodies.

At the same time, Mono/Fury comes will all the handy features of a modern-day audio plugin. It has a preset manager, supports MIDI learn and automation, and features a state-of-the-art zero-delay feedback low-pass filter with self-oscillation.

Mono/Fury operates as a VST and Audio Unit plugin in all compatible digital audio workstations on PC and Mac.

More info:Mono/Fury

Fury-800

Ah, another Full Bucket Music plugin and another Fury. This one is a personal favorite of mine as it models the Korg Poly-800, a cheap analog hybrid synthesizer that I owned back in the day. It featured digitally controlled oscillators and a terrible (in a charming way) analog filter.

The original Poly-800 is the exact opposite of what you’d expect from an analog synthesizer. It sounds lo-fi, thin, and plasticky. But sometimes that is precisely the type of sound you need for an 80s-inspired music track.

The killer feature here is Poly-800’s chorus module. It’s super noisy, and the pitch goes all over the place. If Korg manufactured the Poly-800 in 2020, I think they would label the effect as “VHS mode” instead of a chorus.

Anyway, the Fury-800 takes all of these charming Poly-800 features and packs them in a convenient virtual instrument for PC and Mac. By all means, the Fury-800 plugin is a must-have if you’re into synthwave production.

More info:Fury-800

TAL-U-No-62

TAL-U-No-62 is an old-school virtual instrument that emulates an old-school analog synthesizer. It is a virtual recreation of Roland’s legendary Juno-60 synth.

Togu Audio Line’s freeware Juno is more than a decade old. As a result, it doesn’t offer the latest and greatest DSP technology and analog emulation. However, TAL-U-No-62 is still a pretty solid virtual analog instrument that undeniably captures that classic Juno-60 vibe.

TAL-U-No-62’s oscillators and the low-pass filter won’t blow you away. But, the chorus module is where this virtual Juno-60 keeps its secret sauce. Turn on the chorus effect, and TAL-U-No-62 instantly sounds much closer to the original hardware.

Even better, you can download that same chorus as a standalone effect from Togu Audio Line’s website. Use the free TAL-Chorus-LX in combination with any virtual instrument for that lush 80s sound.

It’s also worth noting that the same developer offers a more advanced (but still fairy priced at €51) version of this instrument. The paid version is called TAL-U-NO-LX, and it’s the best Juno-60 emulation on the market.

Freen Retro Filter Vst Download

More info:TAL-U-No-62

Tyrell N6

Tyrell N6 by U-He is loosely based on the Juno-60. We originally included it in the “Honorable Mentions” section of this article because Tyrell N6 isn’t a 1:1 recreation of any analog synthesizer. However, we decide to move it to the Top 10 list, following the suggestion from one of our readers (thanks, BenJ!).

You can think of Tyrell N6 as an 80s analog synth on steroids. All the usual components are there (a couple of analog oscillators, a multi-mode filter, a lush chorus), and you get a few valuable extras like a modulation matrix, ring modulation, feedback, and more.

A dream to program, thanks to its intuitive interface, Tyrell N6 also has dozens of freely downloadable sound banks. Some of these were created by professional sound designers.

Coming from the developers of industry-leading virtual analog synthesizers like Diva and Ace, the freeware Tyrell N6 is an absolute must-have in any analog synth aficionado’s plugin collection.

More info:Tyrell N6

Dexed

Dexed is a virtual recreation of the Yamaha DX7 and the only FM synth on this list. The plugin emulates the original DX7 so well that it supports its SysEx messages. As a result, Dexed can work as a patch editor for the hardware DX7.

Now, the unfortunate thing about FM synthesizers is that they’re hard to program. But, the good news is that there are thousands of Yamaha DX7 patches available online. And yes, you can load them in Dexed.

Use Dexed for 80s electric piano sounds, pads, FM bells, and let’s not forget the Lately Bass patch.

More info:Dexed

VK-1 Viking Synthesizer

VK-1 Viking Synthesizer emulates the Moog Voyager analog monosynth. Now, the Moog Voyager isn’t exactly retro, but it dates back to 2002. And Moog discontinued the Voyager in 2015 with over 14,000 units sold.

The Voyager combined a pair of Moog’s signature ladder filters with three continuously variable wave oscillators, putting a modern twist on the classic Moog sound.

The free VK-1 Viking Synthesizer from Blamsoft is a rather precise emulation of the Voyager.

VK-1 Viking Synthesizer uses zero-delay feedback filters and advanced techniques for avoiding oscillator aliasing. Also, the developers matched the oscillators and envelopes to their hardware counterparts through precise and extensive measurements.

More info:VK-1 Viking Synthesizer

Synth1

Ichiro Toda’s legendary Synth1 is one of the oldest freeware synthesizers around. Released almost two decades ago (on October 9th, 2002), there’s no denying that Synth1 is a vintage plugin. But it aged incredibly well.

Despite it being a retro plugin, Synth1 emulates the Nord Lead 2 very well. And its deceptively simple-looking user interface offers a surprising amount of synthesis firepower.

Even ten years ago, users praised Synth1 for its low CPU usage. Can you imagine how well it works on modern multi-core processors? You can use dozens of Synth1 instances in a project without hurting your computer’s performance.

However, Synth1’s most significant advantage is the incredible amount of available presets. There are hundreds of Synth1 soundbanks out there, making it the perfect choice for users who don’t like programming sounds from scratch.

More info:Synth1

Nils K1v

Nils K1v faithfully emulates the Kawai K1 digital synthesizer. It includes K1’s original factory bank and all ROM card expansions, and all this adds up to 768 presets.

The user interface mimics the original Kawai K1 module, with additional on-screen controls for parameters like envelopes and filters. This combination works quite well in the plugin format. Accessing the presets is easy, and tweaking the Kawai K1 sounds in real-time is fun.

Freen Retro Filter Vst Plugin

The coolest feature in Nils K1v is the ability to morph the preset using the XY controller. It’s a fun way to add movement to pads and huge atmospheric sounds that the Kawai K1 was known for.

More info:Nils K1v

Free Retro Synthesizers: Honorable Mentions

These are retro synth plugins that haven’t made our Top 10, but they’re still worth checking out:

Freen Retro Filter Vst Filter

• SQ8L (Ensoniq SQ80)
• Cobalt (Korg DW8000, Ensoniq ESQ-1, and Kawai K3)
• Phuturetone Phutura (Roland Alpha Juno-1)
• Steinberg Model-E (Moog Model D Minimoog)
• Tal-Bassline (Roland SH-101)
• Manx Gigmate(Concertmate MG-1, thanks to Christian H. for the tip!)
• K Brown Synth Plugins (various synthesizers)
• Syntronik Free(various synthesizers)

Feel free to suggest additional plugins for this article in the comments section below.

Return to free VST plugins.